

Another cleanse group just started last week--what a great bunch of people. Among our group, we have 3 mother/daughter pairs and a husband and wife team- how fun! As usual, the group was hesitant about the protein and cleanse powders we have on the program. How will it taste? Well, I can assure you I chose the powders for their quality, research, effectiveness and TASTE! Our newest Health E-Coach in training, Meredith Flittner, shares her amazing cleanse approved recipe. Even if you are not on the cleanse, you can duplicate this antioxidant rich super smoothie--yum!
We are all stressed on many levels these days. It's not about just experiencing a feel good treatment anymore. One can recieve true healing modalities that can made a huge difference in your life. Looking to try something that will give you a complete head to toe rejuvenation? There are many reasons to try Reiki:
1. It is deeply relaxing, decreasing stress and anxiety and therefore promoting healing.
2. Reiki works on all levels of your experience; body, mind and spirit.
3. It connects you to the flow of Universal Love.
4. You feel lighter, clearer and more peaceful afterwards.
5. Insights into various problems and challenges are often revealed.
6. Reiki helps to restore flow and harmony to the chakra system.
7. It helps move the energy that creates that "stuck" feeling we have all had.
8. Reiki helps relieve pain.
9. You will sleep better after receiving Reiki.
10. Reiki compliments all other healing methods.
Looking forward to working with you and assisting your body, mind and spirit in a true healing experience.
Namaste,
Suzanne
Amber just finished the cleanse for the 2nd time.
Here is what she had to say. Thanks Amber!
"Dr. Sherri's cleanse is a great way to change your life, refresh your health, or just renew your commitment to taking care of yourself and making health a priority. She approaches health in a refreshing and unique way, and helps you take steps toward optimal health through well researched information, advice and options. She listens and helps you meet your goals. Meeting Dr. Sherri and deciding to do her cleanse one year ago gave me improved mental clarity, overall health, appearance, energy, and literally changed my life. I made critical life decisions that have altered my life and career for the better, and I can't thank her enough. By continuing to work with her after the cleanse, we were able to find difficult to identify disease that traditional doctors weren't thorough enough to find and did not take time to diagnose. I do her cleanse program at least once a year and maintain a lot of what I learned and the practices daily. I highly recommend the cleanse to anyone regardless of health status or goals. Just sign up...challenge yourself, and you'll be glad you did."
To Register:
http://www.healthecoaching.com/21-day-metabolic-cleanse-program
Have you ever thought about skipping a meal or possibly not eating for a day to two?
It has been very recent in our history as human beings we have had access to any type of food we desire at any time of the day. We have always gone through periods of famine and scarcity. This is what our bodies know. I believe in living and eating as close to nature as possible, this includes mimicking the foods and way of life of our ancestors.
Intermittent fasting refers to skipping a meal here and there, possibly going for a day or longer without food. Sometimes you may want to simply eat very light one day- steamed veggies or sip on a green juice all day.
Research suggests people who fast periodically have lower body fat percentages, improved insulin sensitivity and improved lipid profiles.
Here is the caveat with choosing to skip meals- you do not skip meals because you are busy or have been drinking too much caffeine- or doing anything where you are running on stress hormones. You skip a meal or two consciously AND you do not experience symptoms when you do not eat. This is important- your body should be able to skip a meal or go a day occasionally without eating. You should not feel irritable, excessively hungry or anxious. Intermittent fasting should not affect you negatively. If it does, you need to work on healing your metabolism before you fast!
In practice, I often recommend people eat every 3 hours and NOT skip meals, but most people are coming to me because they need help healing their metabolism. Once healed, intermittent fasting can be an addition to your plan for optimal health.
Join us March 13 for our next 21 Day Metabolic Cleanse!
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Debra Moffitt Leslie | Ballantyne | Charlotte | NC | 28277
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Even though we are lucky enough to live in a warm and sunny climate, many people still experience the winter blues. Shorter days and a lack of sunshine can really throw people off. Depressed mood, fatigue and weight gain start to creep in. Well, it doesn't have to be this way. There are many proactive things we can do to keep our mood (and metabolism) boosted during the cold, grey days of winter.
1. Vitamin D- I know I sound like a broken record, but this hormone (yes- it is a hormone and not a vitamin) is so important for stabilizing mood, not to mention, it is an excellent way to prevent colds and flus!
2. I can't think of a better way to energize your body and mind than regular use of the amethyst bio-mat and infrared sauna. Both emit infrared waves (the same waves produced from the sun). Your body will think you have spent an hour at the beach--with the added benefit of detoxification!
3. Get outside--even when it is cold and dreary.
4. Indulge in the grounding, seasonal foods available this time of year. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, winter squash, beets and other root vegetables.
They help your body produce serotonin (your happy brain chemical). You will feel more balanced and you will be less likely to raid your pantry looking for processed sugars and carbohydrates.
5. Have warming foods like soups, teas and spices. They keep you warm, boost your metabolism and help your digestion.
6. Movement- yoga, walking, Pilates, weight training- choose your fun, but stay moving!
7. Finally- embrace the New Year. This time of the year is meant to be slower. Take the opportunity to self reflect!
Seeking Indigo is honored to welcome Mark Knowles to our family! Mark is a seasoned 800hr Certified Jivamukti Yoga Instructor and a well known and loved Charleston Yogi. As a Bahama native, his love of the water brought him to Charleston where he attended his first yoga class. Far from sleepy and flowery he found a great practicality in the practice that demanded use in everyday life, finding challenge not only in the postures, but also in the spiritual activation and social awareness that Jivamukti embodies.When you attend Mark's class, you can expect yoga as a practical method, a challenging practice and supreme devotional gratitude. Mark's hands on approach allows you to move deeper into poses and achieve inversions you may have doubted in the past. The influence of his studies in Zen Buddhism and Aikido and his use of a Harmonium iprovide an enhanced experience by centering your mind and energy and allowing you to fall into a deep state of relaxation.Mark will teach Monday and Wednesday mornings @ 8am starting in December. Join us for a class and experience firsthand the physical and spiritual life-enhancing qualities of a yoga practice.Drop in classes are $12. Look forward to seeing you Monday or Wed morning at 8am.
I am a big fan of all by Michael Pollan, author of Omnivore's Dilemma, Food Rules &In Defense of Food.
I admire his simple, real world approach to nutrition. He sums up his basic nutrition philosophy into a few words- eat real food. not too much. mostly plants. -pretty simple right?
When I give nutrition talks in the community, I like to interject a few of my favorite "Pollanisms." They are guaranteed to get a few nods of agreement and smiles.
I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you..
1.If it was made from a plant, eat it, if it was made in a plant, don't
2. Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food
3. Don't but your food where you buy your gas
4. Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of your milk
5. Pay more, eat less
6. Eat animals that have themselves eaten well
7. Consult your gut
8. Avoid products that have more than 5 ingredients
9. Eat only foods that will eventually rot
and my very favorite...
10. A treat is not a treat if you have it everyday!
Being on the heels of another successful 21 Day Metabolic Cleanse, I wanted to share some insight with you.
*We live in a toxic world AND we have to proactive about our health- bottom line- it is up to us to become informed and educated!
* Everyone of us has some level of toxic burden and we all need to be detoxing/cleansing on some level- each and every day!
If you are waiting for the next cleanse to start (I am still thinking about the next date) or you simply want to do everything you can to stay healthy from day to day, here are some basic detox strategies.
1. Drink CLEAN water everyday--at least 1/3 of your body weight in ounces (ie. if you weight 150 lbs, you need about 50 ounces per day.
2. Healthy and regular digestion- at least 1 bowel movement per day. Digestion is THE KEY to good health!
3. Organic whenever possible - the higher up you eat on the food chain- the more important it is to eat organic.
4. Dark green veggies- how many can you get in each day? The brassicaceae family is particularly important for cleansing because they help remove harmful estrogens from the body. Load up on broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale (my personal favorite) and cabbage.
5. Of course (I have to mention it)- stay away from white sugar and flour. Avoid coffee and alcohol. As Pollan says, "A treat is not a treat if you have it everyday!" Sugar, alcohol and coffee, over time, changes the way our body naturally detoxifies.
5. Sweat, sweat, sweat- this is the body's built- in mechanism for detoxification--use it! Try the infrared sauna or the bio-mat, take a yoga class, a hot bath, an exercise class.
6.Relax- don't let stress get the best of you. Chronically elevated cortisol changes the way your body reacts to its environment. You have to train your nervous system to handle stress effectively. Exercise, yoga, deep breathing, journaling....what helps you unwind and find your quiet space?
I can think of a hundred more strategies, but that should get you started...Remember, your health is up to you!
Happy Detoxing!
Phyllis Rollins is a successful Esthetician / Reflexologtist and Day Spa owner with over 15 years experience. Her day spa, Skin Essentials set the standard for excellence in the regional business area. Because of her outstanding skills in skin care and customer service as well as knowledge, experience and understanding of the protocols in a medical environment providing IPL & VPL light laser treatments, she has been a sought after consultant by other spa owners. Phyllis has extensive training and certifications from several renowned institutes such as Esthetics International, Melanie Sachs in Ayurvedic training, Dr. Mark Lees specializing in Acne/Rosacea skin care, Phytomer founder in study of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, St. Malo Phytomers lab in France to have extensive Face and Body training and made her own personal moisturizer in the lab. Jane Iredale extensive training in their mineral line including bridal makeup application. New York Laser training. Phyllis took Reflexolgy course from Lone Sorensen Institute, most sought after in the world by well known reflexologist. She will take the Face Reflexology soon to open the door to so many problems in the face, ie; tramgeminal neuraglia, bells palsy, TMJ, headaches and facial pain in general as well as anti-aging techniques. Skin Essentials was voted best Day Spa in Greater Greenwood Area for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Phyllis has been active with the Chamber of Commerce as well as roundtable meetings in several areas of the ISPA (International Spa Association). Currently, she maintains her local business and extensive client list while providing services to clients in other areas of South Carolina.
Did you know about 85% of your immune system is found in your gut? About 90% of your happy brain (yes, I said brain) neurotransmitter, serotonin, is found there too. Digestion is The Key to great health. You can eat nutritious food all day long, but if you are not breaking it down and getting it to where it needs to go..how healthy are you?
An integral component of healthy digestion is a combination of beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract. These healthy bacteria enhance our immune system, prevent digestive issues, anxiety and depression, and improve almost every aspect of our health. These small micro organisms are known as the "good guys" because they help to keep the digestive tract running smoothly. Naturally part of a healthy digestive tract, these beneficial bacteria help to breakdown food and outnumber any harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.
It is unfortunate, but in our modern commercialized food industry, most Americans are no longer consuming probiotic rich foods. Yogurt is probably our greatest exposure, however it is usually filled with tons of sugar, which counteracts many of the benefits of the probiotics.
Where else can you find these health promoting foods and add them to your diet everyday?
Here is are my favorites:
Komucha (not familiar? kombucha is a fermented tea beverage- delicious and FULL of health promoting probiotics)
Kefir (unsweetened of course)- fermented milk drink
Miso- fermented rice, barley or soy paste- great for soups and marinades
Sauerkraut- fermented cabbage
Yogurt- plain, greek is my favorite
I see the power of nutrition everyday in my practice, but in our modern world of technology and convenience, it is not always easy to relay to the masses. I stumbled across this inspiring book, Deep Nutrition: Why Your Genes Need Traditional Food, and I want to share a few thoughts with you.
This book is written by a Medical Doctor who studied epigenetics before attending medical school. Epigenetics is the study of all the factors that influence our genes- everything from what we eat to the air we breathe and the thoughts we think.
Although I do not use the term epigenetics, it is exactly my point during the cleanse and during individual consults- we have the power to change our cells. We have the power to be as healthy and vibrant as we choose to be- as long as we take control of what we put into our bodies, what we are exposed to, our stress levels, etc. Every time we eat the right foods, take a yoga class or remove a potential toxin from our home environment, we are changing our genes.
Sit with this paragraph from Deep Nutrition, " By simply replenishing your body with the nourishment that facilitates optimal gene expression, it's possible to eliminate genetic malfunction and, with it, pretty much all known disease. No matter what kind of genes you were born with, I know eating right can help reprogram them, immunizing you against cancer, premature aging and dementia, enabling you to control your metabolism, your moods, your weight- and much, much more. And if you start planning early enough, and your genetic momentum is strong enough, you can give your children a shot at reaching for the stars!"
This is Powerful! Nutrition based medicine is not about simply losing a few pounds, it is about changing your genetic make-up so you can experience Vibrant Health! You Are in Control!
I would say so, as I have personally seen remarkable changes occur in my own life after starting a meditation practice of my own. As I move towards 49, I , like many women in America, are looking for a way to reduce stress while increasing vitality and longevity. A great diet, regular exercise and a large dose of meditation is just what the doctor ordered to stay young and vibrant as we move into our more "mature" years.
According to studies conducted by American physiologies, Robert Wallace, not only can mediation reduce stress and anxiety but it can indeed reduce aging. A study in England states that for every year of regular meditation it takes off roughly one year of aging. A typical 60 year old who mediates regularly five years or more would have the physiology of a 48 year old. A 1986 Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurance study based on two thousand meditators in Iowa showed that they were much healthier than the American population as a whole in several major areas of serious disease, both mental and physical.
Our friends at Integral Enlightenment have been offering guided online group meditation courses for the past two years, and found the impact on participants has been nothing short of life-changing. Many find that, in this supportive "collective field," they are able to gain access to a depth of meditation that has previously eluded them--often despite years or even decades of meditation practice. Silent meditation has always played a central role on the spiritual path. By allowing us to step directly beyond the mind and ego, authentic meditation provides us with both a direct experience of the "natural state" at the heart of spiritual life and an opportunity to ground our being in that primordial freedom.
Integral Enlightenment founder Craig Hamilton offers a free monthly meditation gathering online. It's called: Meditation for Evolutionaries. Find out more about how you can join our Charleston network of meditators as well as a worldwide network available every Sunday morning.
Looking for a place to practice meditation in a group environment locally:
Living Meditation at Seeking Indigo
Second Monday of Every Month
7pm
Interested in an in-depth opportunity to participate with world renowned Zen master Jun Po Roshi right here in Charleston:
Public Lecture on Mondo Zen in Relationships:The Unbreakable Heart. Saturday, September 10th from 7-9pm
{$30 per person for pre-registered guests or $40 at the door}
An Intimate Workshop on Relationships- Sunday, September 11th from 12-4pm
{$65 per person for pre-registered guests or $75 per person or $125 per couple at the door}
Private Sessions with Mondo Zen Master Jun Po Roshi on Monday, September 11th. Six sesshins with Jun Po Roshi and DR Mary Vicara will be available to book and the sesshins are 1 hour long.
{$200 per sesshin. Times available: 8-9, 9:15-10:15,
10:30-11:30, 1:00-2:00, 2:15-3:15, and 3:30-4:30}
Looking to connect with a global network to experience the power of numbers from Integral Enlightenment:
One Sunday morning each month, we'll gather from around the world
online and by phone to participate in this collective journey in
consciousness. Each 90-minute event will begin with a brief talk about meditation,
followed by a 45-minute guided meditation and a 30-minute Q&A
session during which you can ask your questions about meditation
and receive direct guidance from Craig.
More information: http://integralenlightenment.com/index.php
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is derived from the bean of the Ricinus communis or Palma Christi plant (palm of christ). The Palma Christi has been used for therapeutically for centuries in the folk medicine of ancient India, China, Persia, Africa, Greece, Rome, and the Americas. It has large, beautiful palmate leaves hence the name, Palma Christi.
Edgar Cayce, a medical intuitive known as the "sleeping prophet", introduced castor oil packs for the treatment of many conditions. In Cayce’s writings, castor oil is presented as a marvelous source of natural remedies. As an external oil pack, it has been used to treat a variety of health conditions such as arthritis, liver and intestinal disorders, tumors, cysts, and skin conditions. Taken internally, castor oil is a strong cathartic and is not recommended as there are ways to relieve constipation that are not as harsh.
Some of the numerous uses of castor oil include the treatment of breast cysts, fibroids, ovarian cysts, congestion of abdominal organs, skin conditions, small benign cysts, and adhesions from surgery. Wherever there is congestion, decreased blood flow and need for healing, castor oil can be an effective treatment option.
How does castor oil work?
Research has shown that castor oil has a unique chemical profile rich in ricinoleic acid which is known to exist in nature only in castor oil. Double blind studies conducted by the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. demonstrated an increase in lymphocyte production and the level of activity of T-cell lymphocytes in the group that used castor oil packs. T-cell lymphocytes originate from bone marrow and the thymus gland, identify and kill invaders such as virus, bacteria, and fungi.
In addition to strengthening the immune system, castor oil appears to have a balancing effect on the autonomic nervous system, increasing liver activity and improving digestion.
What is a castor oil pack?
The standard pack recommended by Edgar Cayce consists of several layers of white wool flannel, (holds heat better), but cotton flannel is also used with excellent results. Castor oil is soaked on the material and applied to the area in need of healing.
How is it used?
Warm the castor oil to skin temperature in a non-metallic pot. Soak the flannel in the oil to make it well saturated but not dripping. Place the pack over the area to be treated, and cover the pack with plastic food wrap. Place a heat source, a heating pack or hot water bottle, on top of the pack and maintain a onstant warmth throughout the treatment. Secure this in place with a heavy towel.
While the pack is working, quietly meditate to connect the mind and body healing energies. This assists the spiritual essence of the plant to assist in your healing. Often people find the thoughts that occur in a meditative state are as important as the properties of the oil to their healing process. Journal any thoughts, feelings, images that occur during this meditative treatment.
Adjust the heat setting to your comfort, but do not fall asleep while using the heating pad.!! Continue treatment for one hour. An alternative to using the pack without a heat source; secure pack with a towel wrapped around your body, secure with pins, leave in place overnight.
Zachari Cahn, L.ac., M.A.O.M
The Migun Massage is based on the principles of acupuncture and chiropractics, and utilizes Eastern Medicine as well as the body’s natural healing capabilities to enhance any fitness and wellness goals you wish to obtain.
Jade massage rollers heated by infrared light (which has been shown to help enhance both your circulation as well as removing your body of harmful toxins) move up and down the meridians of your body helping increase not only the flexibility of your spine but also helps encourage proper alignment. This warming massage is paired with cutting edge sound technology, allowing you to experience Holosync. This calming music helps you relax and transcend into a meditative state. The Migun Massage is one like no other and definitely a service worth experiencing at Seeking Indigo.
- Liz, Seeking Indigo Summer Intern
Calendar of Classes and Events
Wednesday, July 20th
6:30pm
Wednesday, July 20th
Dr. Sherri Jacobs, ND, CNS At Our Wellness Desk
for Questions and
Free Metabolic Assessments
12-2pm
Thursday, July 21st
8:45 am
Thursday, July 21st
6pm
Friday, July 22nd
8:45 am
Friday, July 22nd
for Questions and
Free Metabolic Assessments
10am -12pm
Friday, July 22
6:30-8pm
Saturday, July 23rd
8:45 am
Sunday, July 24th
Healthy Path Integrative Medicine
Available for Questions, Consultations and Customized Herbal Remedies
10-6 pm
Monday, July 25th
Monday Madness Sale!
Monday, July 25th
Healthy Path Integrative Medicine
Available for Questions, Consultations and Customized Herbal Remedies
10-6 pm
Tuesday, July 26th
6:30 pm
Wednesday, July 27th
Dr. Sherri Jacobs, ND, CNS At Our Wellness Desk
for Questions and Consultations
12 -2pm
Wednesday, July 27th
21 Day Cleanse with Dr. Sherri, ND, CNS
6pm
Wednesday, July 27th
6:30 pm
Thursday, July 28th Hatha Yoga
8:45 am
Friday, July 29th
8:45 am
Friday, July 29th
Dr. Sherri Jacobs, ND, CNS At Our Wellness Desk
for Questions and Consultations
10am -12pm
Saturday, July 30th
8:45 am
Sunday, July 31st
Healthy Path Integrative Medicine
Available for Questions, Consultations and Customized Herbal Remedies
12-4 pm
Monday, August 1
Healthy Path Integrative Medicine
Available for Questions, Consultations and Customized Herbal Remedies
10-6 pm
Celebrating our local customers. We bring to you Monday Madness!
Pop in any Monday and find amazing new items marked down just for the day.
Everything from tee's to clothing for tots. Stop by to check out our newest savings. Sale every Monday through August! This week's t-shirts as low as $5 !!!
50 - 75% off select styles!
Seeking Indigo's